Have you heard your parents say “stop listening to pop junk and listen to classical music?” Next time you do, say this: “The classical music you mean is actually music across 4 centuries, and can’t be coined by one term.” That’ll get them to stop nagging at you- because you demonstrated some knowledge, not because of the smart-alecky comment.
Baroque
Years (approximate): 1600-1750
Main composers: Bach
Composer’s most famous piece: Christmas Oratorio
Style: Dramatic
Instruments: harpsichord, violoncello da spalla, viola, violin, cello, lute, harp
Classical
Years (approximate):1730-1820
Main composers: Mozart
Composer’s most famous piece: The magic flute
Style: light texture, melody clearer
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Double bass, guitar, cello, fortepiano, organ.
Romantic
Years (approximate): 1780–1910
Main composers: Beethoven/Schubert
Composer’s most famous piece: Moonlight (Beethoven)
Style: Put forth feelings into music
Instruments: Flute, oboe, saxophone, tuba (percussion and woodwind/brass increased a lot.)
Modern
Years (approximate):1890+
Main composers: Schoenberg
Composer’s most famous piece: Chamber Symphony No. 1.
Style: Altered Tones, changing in foundations of music.
Instruments: Electrical instruments, traditional instruments, computers